Articles
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Dealing with Grief and Loss
It is normal for a person to feel a sense of grief after a loved one has passed away, or some other major loss has occurred. Often a significant loss is followed by an influx of different emotions, possibly at a level never previously experienced. People who are grieving may have the thought that the…
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Importance of Trust in a Relationship
It is trust that allows us to navigate the uncertain and complex world we live in today. With the rise of the internet, mobile phones, email, chat and social media, it is so much easier for people to connect or spend more time with co-workers than with family or significant others. Trust is integral to…
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Child and Adolescent Assessments – What to Look For
With experienced child psychologists, Strategic Psychology provides comprehensive IQ and cognitive assessments for both children and adolescents. Our assessments can identify potential learning difficulties, such as reading, language, or attention challenges. Our goal is to provide accurate and insightful assessments to support individuals to understand their cognitive abilities and pave the way for targeted interventions…
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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, better known as OCD, is an anxiety disorder where sufferers feel compelled to perform certain rituals or habits (compulsions) in order to suppress anxiety caused by recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions). OCD affects approximately 3 in 100 Australians and it can be very debilitating. Although people who suffer OCD use rituals to suppress their…
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The Many Forms of Disordered Eating
There are various types of eating disorders. These are usually characterised by significantly restricted eating or over-eating. One of the most common forms of eating disorders is Anorexia Nervosa, which is a rejection of maintaining a healthy body weight due to a fear of gaining weight or a distorted body image, perceiving one’s own body…
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How Different Parenting Styles Affect Children
The manner in which parents choose to raise their children is often considered a deeply personal and private affair. Nevertheless, dedicated practitioners and professionals are committed to supporting parents in developing a comprehensive framework that effectively guides their parenting approach. The crux lies in enhancing parents’ comprehension of the cause-and-effect dynamics of their chosen parenting…
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What is Involved in Couples Counselling?
Drs John and Julie Gottman, world-renowned couples therapists and researchers, founded the Gottman Institute, which has pioneered a number of highly effective methods for couples to build healthier relationships. At Strategic Psychology in Canberra, our psychologists utilise evidence-based couples counselling strategies, such as those pioneered by the Gottman Institute. The following activities are taken from…
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What Defines a ‘Good’ Psychologist?
If you are seeking assistance from a psychologist, it is important to select someone whom is likely to be effective. The American Psychological Association (APA) has released a document indicating the top characteristics of an effective psychologist. Strategic Psychology is a private practice in Canberra City that employs and assists in the development of psychologists…
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5 Tips to Beat Stress At Exam Time
For many students in secondary school and university, anxiety and stress can become a growing obstacle to their health and happiness. As school sessions come to a close, end of term tests and exams can become a huge source of fear and worry that can have a large impact on a student’s psyche. As a…
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Acceptance and Commitment – A New Approach to Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating. Sadly, one in five Australians experience chronic pain. It is associated with 40% of early retirements in Australia and is the third most costly health burden. Chronic pain is when a person experiences pain that can range from intense, to a milder level that still significantly impedes functioning. The…
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What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterised by periods of heightened elation, commonly known as manic episodes, followed by periods of low mood, known as depressive episodes. Manic episodes When experiencing a manic episode, a person often does things that are risky or extreme, which they would not normally do. Such behaviours can include going…
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Managing Stress
Strategic Psychology is a private practice in central Canberra offering services from psychologists for those who believe they may benefit from training in stress management skills. Stress is a feeling of being overwhelmed, tense or worried. It is usually related to feeling under pressure in some way, whether at work, school, university, socially or domestically. A…
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Common Reasons Couples Seek Relationship Counselling
Many couples commonly face the following problems and, without some shifts in the dynamics, they are likely to have a serious impact on the quality and longevity of a relationship. If you and your partner are experiencing any of these then you may benefit from attending relationships counselling. Neglecting the friendship The quality of the…
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Assertiveness: The Benefits of Being Assertive
What is assertiveness? Assertiveness is a communication style that is clear and firm in intent, but also respectful. It enables people to communicate honestly but appropriately, to stand up for their own rights and feelings without trespassing on those of others. Less helpful communication styles are often used inappropriately in place of assertiveness. You may…
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Can Technology Impact the Quality of My Relationship?
Today’s world of digital communications has made it so easy to connect with hundreds of people and call them “friends”. In an age of social media, even perfect strangers can become closely familiar in a very short time. When technology becomes such a huge part of our lives, it can start having an unhealthy impact…
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What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack occurs when a person experiences an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. During this time, four or more of the following symptoms will occur: Racing heart Sweating Shaking Breathing difficulties Feelings of choking Chest pain or discomfort Nausea or stomach pains Feeling light headed Chills or hot…
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Taking The First Step
When facing problems in life (whether it be work, relationships, or just some annoying/life complicating habit), we can often feel helpless: not knowing what to do, how to go about our problems or where to start. At this point we may consider professional support, but know doubt, the thought of spilling our guts out to…
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A New Approach to Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or ACT) is a ‘new wave’ approach to treating a variety of psychological difficulties, including anxiety disorders. Although ACT is relatively new compared with more widely used therapies, it has been used and tested by psychologists for a number of decades and there is a great deal of empirical evidence to…
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What is Cyber Bullying?
The new age of communications technology has made an entire world of information available at our fingertips. With the onset of social media, individuals can connect with co-workers, classmates and even strangers on the other side of the globe in ways that were not possible even a decade ago. But while the ease and availability…
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The Benefits of Anger Management Skills
Anger feelings range from annoyance to intense rage. They are usually accompanied by physiological changes, such as an increased heart rate, blood pressure and increases in the release of stress hormones. This can cause you to shake, sweat and feel out of control. When people feel angry, they often engage in behaviours such as […]
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The Effects of Winter on Moods
It seems that all of us Canberrans are feeling the effects of the change in season over the past few weeks. Heading into winter, the days are only due to get shorter and colder. This can potentially have a significant affect on individual’s mental health and mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well-documented phenomenon…